Indian origin Iranian footballer Omid Singh has been granted OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) passport by the Government of India today.
The winger has a vast experience playing for Iranian top division league and has also played his trade for many top clubs of Iran. Omid was born and brought up in Iran but has his Indian roots from his father who was from Punjab.
Omid was in the spotlight last year when he expressed his desire to play for India. OCI passport allows him the permission to stay in India as long as he wishes without any visa troubles. But OCI does not guarantees him a place in the National football team and for that he must undergo further formalities. Omid Singh was rumoured to sign a pre-contract with the Kolkata giant East Bengal but later terminates the contract due to the uncertainties of East Bengal in ISL entry. Sources close to him says that he won't be moving to India this year due to COVID-19 crisis. At the same time he also need to giveup his Iranian passport as our government does not allow dual citizenship players to represent the National Jersey.
The gaffer of the National football team Igor Stimac earlier requested AIFF to grand permission for OCI and POI players to represent the national team. Croatian head coach had also invited Omid to play for the national team.
Now it's all upto the government, whether they allow him to represent the Blue Tigers or not.
- Sooraj Saji
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